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Chicago Cubs: Two-game series sweep in sight in Tampa Bay

By Jake Misener

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 19: Manager Joe Maddon #70 of the Chicago Cubs speaks with catcher Rene Rivera #7 on the field before the start of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 19, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 19: Manager Joe Maddon #70 of the Chicago Cubs speaks with catcher Rene Rivera #7 on the field before the start of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 19, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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After getting a lights-out start from Mike Montgomery Tuesday night, the Chicago Cubs look for a sweep of the two-game set in Tampa Bay behind Jon Lester.

Chicago Cubs’ left-hander Mike Montgomery delivered in a big way on Tuesday night. He took a no-hitter deep into the game, leading the Cubs to a tight, one-run win against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Chicago (84-66) continues to hang onto a slim lead in the National League Central over Milwaukee.  Entering Wednesday’s finale at Tropicana Field, the Cubs sit 3 1/2 games ahead of the Brewers. Craig Counsell‘s club is in action against Pittsburgh again on Wednesday. The Cubs and Brew Crew open a critical four-game set on Thursday at Miller Park.

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Meanwhile, the Cubs look to run a season-best winning streak to eight games against Tampa Bay. Chicago turns to Jon Lester, their gritty veteran ace, in the finale. Lester (11-7, 4.30) got an extra day of rest with Montgomery’s outing Tuesday – so he should be fresh for Wednesday’s contest.

Opposite Lester, Blake Snell starts for the Rays. Snell (3-6, 4.25) has been much stronger in the second half – although that hasn’t done much for a Tampa Bay’s season. The club enters Wednesday five games below .500 on the year.

Joe Maddon tweaked the Cubs’ lineup for the finale, given Snell is left-handed. That means Kyle Schwarber heads to the bench and Jon Jay steps into the DH role. Willson Contreras will catch with the combination of Addison Russell and Javier Baez up the middle defensively. Jason Heyward is also sitting, with an outfield (from left-to-right) of Ian Happ, Albert Almora and Ben Zobrist.

Starting lineups

What’s Next

Chicago opens a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday night.

Jake Arrieta (14-9, 3.48) makes his return from the disabled list opposite Zach Davies (17-9, 3.98).

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